Roma’s midweek has brought together two strands of the season: Gian Piero Gasperini’s defence of his side’s work and the practical demands of another match, with Cagliari due in the capital tomorrow evening.
The decision
Napoli coach Massimiliano Allegri has received a two-match suspension, and the ruling was followed by a response from Gasperini after comments made by Allegri following Saturday’s game.
Allegri had referred to Roma in remarks concerning last season’s Champions League race. Gasperini, while acknowledging his friendship with the Napoli manager, said Roma’s record should settle the matter.
“The numbers show what Roma did and what the other teams did last season,” Gasperini said. “I did not see anyone supporting what was a decidedly unfortunate comment from Allegri. I do not want to add anything more; everything has already been said about it.”
The Roma coach’s attention then turned quickly to his own group, which he believes has built a clear identity despite the pressure of playing every three days. Paulo Dybala is the only possible return for the Cagliari match, with Gasperini hopeful of naming the Argentine among the substitutes.
“I have good confidence about Paulo,” he said. “We will make some changes because the matches come so close together, and we will also assess the opponent. The squad has shown that it can rotate during games.”
Gasperini said Roma must keep seeking improvement, pointing to a defined style of play, collective progress and individual development across the squad. He added that the atmosphere around the club encourages his players to remain brave and positive, including in the most demanding fixtures.
He also took a balanced view of recent performances, noting that mistakes are inevitable but that Roma have scored twice against Inter, three times against Real Madrid and three times against Napoli. Every result, he said, must be judged in relation to the opposition.
Matias Soulé was singled out for particular praise. The 23-year-old has resumed from the level he showed before his pubalgia problem, Gasperini said, and has delivered a series of high-level displays. Capable of operating as an attacking midfielder or wide player on either flank, Soulé is losing the ball less often and showing greater maturity. His Argentina call-up was described as another important sign of his progress.
Gasperini also welcomed Lulli’s contract renewal, saying the player deserved it.
Sunday’s picture
Roma’s recent draws against Inter, Como and Napoli have left Gasperini encouraged rather than dissatisfied. He described the three matches as different but evenly balanced contests of quality, against opponents he sees as direct competitors.
“We came through them well,” he said. “We certainly did not come away less convinced than our opponents. We are missing that extra step to win one of them, but the path is positive.”
Against Napoli, Roma believed they could take the game after reaching 2-2 before Napoli’s subsequent goal altered the contest. Gasperini stressed how a single moment can reshape matches of that level, particularly against a club that has won two Scudetti in recent years.
There are still concerns over fitness ahead of the next stretch. Manu Koné is unlikely to return before the international break, while goalkeeper Mile Svilar faces a decisive week. Roma hope he can be available again for the Manchester trip.
